March 2019 • Nebraskaland 53
Invasive species threaten the state of Nebraska. From
emerald ash borer attacking ash trees to zebra mussels
damaging our fi sheries, threats can be found on all fronts.
Invasive species are any non-native plant, animal, disease
or other organism that can cause harm to the environment,
the economy or human health.
Research fi nds invasive species cause more than $120
billion in damage to the U.S. economy annually. This includes
invasive weeds in crop fi elds ($21 billion) and pastures ($6
billion), invasive crop diseases ($18 billion) and crop insects
($13 billion), and invasive forest pests ($4 billion). This
increases production costs and is passed on to consumers.
Invasive species cause tremendous damage to our natural
environment. Invasive plants can suck up water needed by
native plants and crops, change streamfl ow patterns and
water clarity, and increase water runoff and soil erosion.
They also degrade wildlife habitat, reduce species diversity
and out-compete native species. Over 40 percent of the
species on the Endangered Species Act list are at risk due in
part to invasive species.
Human health is also directly impacted by invasive
species. Stings from fi re ants and Africanized honey bees
may require medical attention and can be deadly. Feral swine
carry diseases harmful to humans, and contact with giant
hogweed can result in severe skin blistering and burns.
According to the Nebraska Invasive Species Program,
however, simple steps can make a huge diff erence in fi ghting
back. Inspect and remove plants, seeds and dirt from clothing
and shoes, vehicles and equipment, and even your dog before
leaving an area. Clean, drain and dry boats after leaving
any water body to prevent accidental movement of aquatic
invasive species. Dispose of bait properly – don't toss it in the
lake or dump it on the ground. Finally, buy fi rewood locally,
and don't bring it back home. Each of these steps can help
safeguard Nebraska from invasive species.
Report sightings of possible invasive species to the
Nebraska Invasive Species Program at neinvasives.com/
report-a-sighting.
COMBAT INVASIVES
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist,
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
GIANT
HOGWEED.
PHOTO
BY
THOMAS
B.
DENHOLM
